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The
Christmas Shopping Rally
World Horse Welfare
(ILPH),
Snetterton
November 2008
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Time for shopping in Norwich... |
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This was the
first time we had visited the World Horse
Welfare site and we didn't know what to
expect. On arrival from the A11 just
northeast of Thetford, we found the big
brown sign and the site was within a mile.
The field was firm, level and very clean,
and there was soooo much space !
We knew that the wind was forecast to get up
this weekend and there was a mention of
"wintery showers"... we have heard that
before !
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World Horse Welfare has lots
of sick and recovering horses and ponies
that the charity has rescued from an
uncertain future. The charity is supported
entirely by donations from the public and
welcomed our donation for the use of their
field. See also
www.worldhorsewelfare.org and I
understand that the 5 Centres Rally will be
there next August too.
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Some vans arrived on
Thursday, like us, we wanted to get an extra
day in the city of Norwich and just as the
marshals recommended, we used the park and
ride from Thickthorn. What a lovely day we
had. And the city even switched on the
lights on Thursday evening for us !!
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In spite of a slightly
smaller budget this year we still managed to
collect the usual arms full of carrier bags
and large boxes. Once back at the car, the
15 miles back to site seemed to pass quickly
and a hot cup of caravan tea was a must.
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On Saturday, the staff at the
visitors centre put on a guided tour of the
site. It had to be cut short however and we
were dashing for cover as the wind had
brought "sideways rain" with it. The bitter
cold was enough to freeze your face but the
horses didn't seem to mind.
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Sunday was interesting. By
9am the snow flurries that had been
predicted had started to fly past in the
30mph wind. Everyone was wondering whether
flagpole would be held but in the nick of
time Trev drove round the site in his 4x4,
which was by now carving tracks in about an
inch of soft white snow. He advised us that
flagpole was to be cancelled and all peg
prizes were to be given to the Chairman's
Christmas Draw at Banham.
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In spite of the snow which
became a blizzard, many cars headed off to
the Snetterton Market. On their return,
those less adventurous had started to leave
the site and Gary, Darren, Colin and a few
others helped push a few vans onto the road.
For the record, there was just one awning to
take down and I will let you decide who was
the brave one ! Everyone managed to
get home safely and even saw a bit of winter
sunshine on the journey home.
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Many thanks to Trev, Sue,
Colin & Jan for putting on a great rally at
a super new venue. |
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Pictures
courtesy of Trevor Smith, Beryl & Brian
Garrod and Sheila & Joe Holmes
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The perfect scene, all the
vans in a large circle on Friday |
A beautiful sunset even though temperatures
were below zero. |
Inside the stables where it was considerably
warmer |
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We were introduced to
a few shy residents |
Who lives at number 26
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And this little chap
is happier outside |
I like to nibble
someone's ear ! |
Some horses were just
feeling a little sad today |
Here comes the snow on Sunday |
Snow flurries turned to a
blizzard |
The flag is still
flying in the driving snow as Trev tells
ralliers that flagpole is cancelled |
And it snowed.... |
While the girls were
waving..... |
.....the men were
packing away the awning ! |
At last the snow had
stopped. |
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